26-28 JUNE 2026

BURNS BEYOND SCOTLAND – CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSE CULTURAL HERITAGE AND OUR CONNECTION TO THE BARD

Reflection from our Festival Chair, John Menzies

Such a tightly run and entertaining program reflected much on the sterling work of festival Coordinator Catherine O’Flynn. Sadly Catherine died only two days after the 2026 festival- she was stoic in the face of adversity, but her legacy of generosity, superb event organising competence, and friendship – all consistent with Robert Burns enduring philosophy – ensures the Festival has a momentum which the committee will strive to preserve for future festivals. Clear skies and no rain were good omens for this year’s festival. Festival goers were generous with their feedback and this was backed up by the many performers and volunteers assisting events. The committee is encouraged by this which will assist planning for 2027. The committee is extremely grateful for the contribution of everyone; performers, sponsors, volunteers, Camperdown Rotary[market]and local businesses.

Vale Catherine O’Flynn

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Festival Coordinator, Catherine O’Flynn. Catherine’s passion, dedication, and warmth touched every corner of our festival community. From the smallest details to the grandest moments, she poured heart and soul into creating experiences that brought people together and celebrated the arts. We will remember Catherine not only for her incredible talent and professionalism, but for the kindness, generosity, and joy she shared with all who knew her. Our thoughts are with Catherine’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in every festival moment we create. Rest in peace, Catherine.

The Loaf and Lounge Sponsor Tribute (2nd July – posted with a love heart latte image)

Our hearts are a little sad today. Our beautiful friend Catherine O’Flynn has passed away. An incredible lady. Interesting, inspiring and truly wonderful company. Forever the herder of cats and champion of the third world spaces and events in our community! Our future shortbread competitions shall be named in your honour. It is the least we can do to celebrate you. Condolences to Andrew and family from Catherine’s friends here at The Loaf and Lounge.

#RBCF #CamperdownCeltic #CamperdownBurnsFestival #RobertBurnsCelticFestival

A festival weekend full of music, history, dance, choirs, food, fun… celebrating Celtic connections, Burns beyond Scotland… There’s now even more ceilidh action, and free Scottish Country Dance lessons, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun, along with Irish and Scottish dance showcases. We cannot wait for the 2026 festival! The videos below immerse you in the sprit of the festival, the showcase includes scenes from the region. Special thanks to Glenn Wilson from shiftoffocus.com.au for filming and producing these festival features. Scroll down to see the full festival program.

Tickets are now available: trybooking.com/DGDBD and locally at Laffs.

View our full program above, we have highlighted new events, dance events and kids favourites.

You can view FUN & FREE things to DO & SEE by clicking here 🙂

The Festival Dinner is a separate ticket and $90.00 per person, bookings are essential and close on Friday June 26th or when sold out, so that catering arrangements can be finalised. Single Entry Tickets are $30.00pp, per entry into various venues. Saturday’s History Talks at the Killara Centre presents four great speakers for $40.00 or see a single speaker for $15.00. Download the progam here. Sunday’s Festival Finale Concert is $30.00 pre-purchased or $35.00 at the door.

All festival events, excluding the dinner, are FREE ENTRY for Under 18 years: (under 13 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Dr Menzies said “musicians have now been booked and our headline performers include The City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, The Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club and The Melbourne Male Welsh Choir. We have a great combination of Australia’s best known Scottish and Celtic musicians including Austral, The Raglins, Fiona Ross, Pete Daffy & Friends Irish Band, South West Harpistry, Merran and Pete Moir, The Twa Bards, Kym Dillon, The Corby Family Celtic Band, Tuniversal Music Group, the Warrnambool Pipes and Drums, the Lakes and Craters Concert Band, The Australian Irish Dance Company and The Geelong Scottish Highland Dancers.” Links to artist websites, where known, are included in the band names above.

The Choirs in Concert will be held at the Theatre Royal on Saturday. Entry is just $12.00 for this event, which has proven to be a festival favourite. Seven visiting choirs, and the RBCF choir, will present three songs each after which the eight choirs combine with conductor Kym Dillon to perform together as a massed choir. Magical.

Our Saturday Afternoon Theatre Royal Concert features the incredible vocal harmonies of The Melbourne Welsh Male Choir, another moment not to be missed.

Support the festival’s Burnsian spirit! “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft a-gley.”

Please contact our festival coordinator to make a donation.

Here’s a few of our favourite photos from previous years.

Please Support Our Local Sponsors.

Special thanks to Cobden & Districts Community Bank Branch and Camperdown Branch for being our MAJOR SPONSOR for RBCF2025. The community support that they provide is valued.

26-28 JUNE 2026

BURNS BEYOND SCOTLAND – CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSE CULTURAL HERITAGE AND OUR CONNECTION TO THE BARD

Vale Catherine O’Flynn

#RBCF #CamperdownCeltic #CamperdownBurnsFestival #RobertBurnsCelticFestival

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Please Support Our Local Sponsors.

Special thanks to Tuniversal Music Group Inc. which auspices the event.